Embassy International Riding School Kicks Off the 16th Equestrian Premier League 2026

Bengaluru, June 29: Embassy International Riding School (EIRS), under the aegis of the Karnataka Riders Association (KRA), successfully commenced the 16th edition of the Equestrian Premier League (EPL) 2026 at its world-class riding facilities in Bengaluru.

The opening leg witnessed exciting competition in Show Jumping and Dressage, attracting riders from five states, over 10 equestrian clubs, and recording more than 300 entries across all event categories. Kiran Akhade of URB, riding SRS Newgrange, claimed top honours in the premier 130 cm Show Jumping class, while Embassy International Riding School riders dominated the Dressage events by securing all first-place finishes across the categories, making for a highly competitive start to the season.

Running from June to November 2026, EPL will feature six league shows, culminating in the Grand Finale on 28 November 2026. Over the past sixteen years, the league has established itself as one of India’s premier equestrian competitions, providing riders with a structured platform to develop their skills and compete at the highest standards.

This year’s edition offers cash prizes, awards, and championship trophies worth over ₹25 lakh, supported by EIRS and KRA, reaffirming their commitment to recognising excellence and promoting equestrian sport in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Silva Storai, Director, Embassy International Riding School, said: “We are delighted to begin the 16th edition of EPL. The league continues to provide riders with a competitive platform to develop their skills while fostering sportsmanship and excellence. We thank KRA for their continued support in encouraging equestrian talent across Karnataka and beyond.”

With the first leg concluded, riders have begun accumulating championship points, with the next leg of EPL 2026 scheduled to take place in July.

Results

Premier Show Jumping

• SJ7 – 130 cm Show Jumping: 1st – Kiran Akhade (SRS Newgrange, URB, Mumbai); 2nd – Prithiv Krishna (Pharrell, CS); 3rd – Aradhana Anand (Centuri, CS)

Show Jumping Winners

• SJ1 (60–70 cm): Nihaan G (Klaver, Covai Stable)
• SJ2 (80–90 cm):
• Sub-Junior: Bhargav Babu Velkur (Gucci Do Axe, EIRS)
• Junior & Open: Neil Kendall (Joey, Surge)
• SJ3 (90–100 cm): Ishta Iusta (Klaver, EIRS)
• SJ4 (105–110 cm):
• Sub-Junior & Junior: Rishab (Hero, EIRS)
• Open: Moksh Patel (Dakar, EIRS)
• SJ5 (110–115 cm): Barath Manoharan (Jashmir, ECE)
• SJ6 (120 cm): Kiran Akhade (Geronimo, URB)
• SJ7 (130 cm): Kiran Akhade (SRS Newgrange, URB)

Dressage Winners

• D1 – Preliminary Dressage:
• Sub-Junior: Siddharth Dutta (Bucephalus, EIRS)
• Junior & Open: Anagha (Power, Zippy)
• D2 – Sub-Junior Dressage & Open:
• Sub-Junior: Hem Kilaru (Abra, EIRS)
• Junior & Open: Eshaan Sundaram (Eotina, EIRS)
• D3 – Junior Dressage:
• Junior & Below: Eshaan Sundaram (Eotina, EIRS)
• Open: Arya Channagiri (Cloud 9, FSS)

Event Highlights

• Kiran Akhade, riding SRS Newgrange (URB, Mumbai), emerged as the winner of the prestigious 130 cm Show Jumping class.
• Embassy International Riding School riders secured multiple podium finishes across both Show Jumping and Dressage disciplines.
• EIRS riders swept all first-place finishes in the Dressage events, underlining the academy’s continued excellence in developing dressage talent.

PPDS brings modern luxury and limitless entertainment to historic five star Bellevue Syrene hotel with Philips MediaSuite TV installations

Delivering modern luxuries to the 18^th century hotel in Sorrento, Philips MediaSuite TVs with cast built in are now bringing seamless access to millions of movies, TV shows, games, and streaming apps to guests at one of Italy’s most prestigious and exquisite hospitality destinations. 

Amsterdam, June 29, 2026: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is proud to announce that its market leading range of Philips MediaSuite TVs has been chosen to deliver seamless access to a virtually limitless world of personalised digital entertainment at one of Italy’s most tranquil and picturesque five star hotels, the Bellevue Syrene. 

Housed in the popular tourist destination of Sorrento in Southern Italy, and offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples, the cliff edge Bellevue Syrene is a truly remarkable boutique destination, offering the perfect blend of historical heritage and modern luxury to guests. 

With 51 guest rooms and suites, each meticulously designed with a sophisticated blend of modern and antique furnishings, the hotel owners sought to modernise its ageing and restrictive television system by investing in a new ‘state of the art’, fully connected and centrally managed hospitality display network. 

In partnership with trusted local integration specialist, Meginet, key requirements for the project included exceptional 4K UHD display quality and the ability to provide guests with a personalised entertainment experience, offering seamless access to their preferred streaming services, apps and on demand content from the comfort of their room. 

The Suite spot for guests

Concluding extensive market research, a fleet of 70 4K UHD Philips MediaSuite TVs – ranging from 43” to 65” – was unanimously selected and installed inside all hotel rooms, with additional units added for larger suites. 

Delivering a new benchmark for in room entertainment while placing guests firmly in control of their viewing experience, one of the standout features influencing the hotel’s decision was the inclusion of the cast feature built directly into Philips MediaSuite TVs. First introduced on Philips MediaSuite in 2019, this allows guests to wirelessly share their favourite movies, TV shows, music, photos and even business presentations directly from their personal devices to the TV. 

The Philips MediaSuite TVs solution offers a simple and intuitive user experience, with guests able to securely connect their smartphone or tablet to the TV using a unique QR code and instantly cast content from their preferred streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, at the touch of a button. 

Philips MediaSuite TVs also provide guests with access to thousands of apps, games and entertainment options, creating a familiar and personalised home from home experience. 

Beyond traditional TVs

Philips MediaSuite TVs also provide the Bellevue Syrene’s AV and IT teams with complete control over the hotel’s display network using PPDS’ CMND platform. Centrally managed and fully customisable to reflect the hotel’s unique brand identity, the platform enables regular software updates, security enhancements and new features to be scheduled and deployed remotely as they become available, reducing maintenance demands. 

All TV login information is also automatically deleted upon checkout – rather than manually – adding further time and cost efficiencies. 

Furthermore, Bellevue Syrene staff can now enhance their direct communications with guests either on a collective or personalised basis, by effortlessly creating and displaying content on the TV screen, such as welcoming messages, in house information, check out details, marketing, and more. 

The installation of Philips MediaSuite has achieved all expectations from the hotel owners, staff, and guests, delivering advanced and future proofed experiences while upholding the high standards of traditional luxury hospitality. 

Claudio Napolitano, General Manager, Hotel Bellevue Syrene, commented: “When it comes to digital entertainment and information technology and communications services, we always choose partners capable of providing valuable, reliable and cutting edge technologies. Enabling us to offer our guests a truly complete and memorable stay.” 

Vittorio Acampora, CEO, Meginet, added: “Our partnership with PPDS for Philips Professional Displays is a key factor that enables us to invest in joint strategies. Providing us with a solution that combines technological innovation with ease of use.” 

Tata Motors targets 1 million commercial vehicle sales post Iveco deal: N Chandrasekaran

June 29: Tata Motors is targeting annual commercial vehicle sales of 1 million units following its acquisition of Iveco, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, highlighting the company’s ambition to strengthen its global presence in the CV segment.

The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Tata Motors’ international footprint and enhance its capabilities in product development, technology integration, and market reach across key global regions.

According to the company, the combined strengths of Tata Motors and Iveco will help create a more competitive and diversified commercial vehicle portfolio, enabling better access to advanced technologies and global supply chains.

The strategy aims to position Tata Motors as a leading global player in the commercial vehicle industry by leveraging synergies in manufacturing, innovation, and operational efficiency.

Industry observers noted that the move could accelerate Tata Motors’ transformation into a global mobility solutions provider while strengthening its long-term growth prospects in the commercial vehicle segment.

Gujarat plans Chhota Udepur sports hub, Vadodara Blue Economy centre

June 29: The Gujarat government has announced plans to develop Chhota Udepur as a sports equipment manufacturing hub and Vadodara as a centre for the Blue Economy, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said.

The initiative aims to promote balanced regional development while strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem through sector-specific growth clusters and targeted infrastructure development.

Chhota Udepur will be developed to support sports goods manufacturing, with a focus on boosting MSMEs, skill development, and employment generation. Officials said the move is expected to strengthen local entrepreneurship and integrate the district into broader manufacturing value chains.

Vadodara will be positioned as a hub for the Blue Economy, focusing on water-based resources, sustainable industries, and allied sectors. The plan aims to attract investment and encourage environmentally sustainable economic activity.

The government said these initiatives are part of its broader strategy to promote specialised industrial zones, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities across regions.

Experts noted that such focused development models can enhance regional competitiveness while supporting industrial diversification and long-term sustainable growth in Gujarat.

Global economic fragmentation could wipe out Dollar 6.9 trillion from world GDP: WEF

June 29: Global economic fragmentation could lead to a substantial loss in economic output, potentially cutting up to $6.9 trillion from world GDP, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The report highlights that rising geopolitical tensions, increasing trade barriers, and shifting global alliances are contributing to a more divided global economic system. This fragmentation is expected to disrupt supply chains, reduce trade efficiency, and slow down global productivity growth.

According to the WEF, a fragmented global economy may also raise costs for businesses, limit access to critical technologies, and weaken cross-border investment flows. These challenges could have a widespread impact on both developed and emerging economies.

Emerging markets, which are more integrated into global supply chains, may face heightened vulnerability, while advanced economies could also experience slower growth due to reduced international cooperation and trade integration.

Experts stressed the need for stronger global coordination, resilient supply chains, and open trade frameworks to reduce the risks of fragmentation and support long-term economic stability and growth.

Auto sector poised for steady growth; 2W and PV demand to remain strong in June 2026: Report

June 29: The automobile sector is expected to maintain steady growth momentum, with two-wheelers (2W) and passenger vehicles (PV) projected to post healthy performance in June 2026, according to a recent report.

The report highlighted that stable macroeconomic conditions, improving consumer confidence, and consistent demand across both rural and urban markets are supporting the sector’s growth outlook. Seasonal trends and continued recovery in mobility demand are also contributing to sustained sales performance.

Two-wheeler demand is likely to benefit from improving rural income levels and affordability, while the passenger vehicle segment continues to gain from strong product offerings, new model launches, and sustained interest in personal mobility.

Automakers are expected to focus on disciplined production, inventory optimisation, and timely product introductions to maintain growth stability and meet evolving consumer preferences.

Industry analysts said the auto sector remains well-positioned for steady expansion, supported by structural demand drivers, rising penetration in semi-urban markets, and ongoing shifts in consumer mobility needs.